Cars are a vitally important cog in our ever-changing, fast-paced world. Imagine where our world would be if the best form of personal transport was still horseback.
Cars, like the horse, have remained mostly unchanged for hundreds of years. Ever since Henry Ford perfected the mass production of cars, there hasn't been a lot of major innovation in the car industry. Other than add-ons like GPS, airbags and antilock breaks the car has remained mostly the same. Internal combustion has always been king, however, not only is this technology a bit old fashioned, it is also bad for the environment. If only there was someone that could swoop in and save the day. Cue Elon Musk.
Electric vehicles are looking to break the mold; more specifically, Tesla is trying to break the mold. Telsa is generating a lot of hype and interest in their vehicles at the moment, not because they're the best looking, fastest or most luxurious cars in the world, but because they're different. Don't get me wrong, they are quick and fairly luxurious, however, that's not what generates the interest.
Tesla's audience is full of people who are looking for and lusting after something different, and that's exactly what Tesla is providing. With their all electric power supply, massive tablets on the center console and the feeling of satisfaction you have when you think that you are a part of a "clean power" movement, the appeal of Tesla is enormous.
With the release of the Model 3, Telsa is now looking to appeal to the mass markets. The "affordable" $35,000 base price tag is sure to bring in new customers, however, is it really going to change the face of the automobile industry?
Here are the bare-bones specs that Tesla released for the new Model 3: One can expect to get at least 215 miles per charge, 0-60 MPH in under 6 seconds, seating for 5 adults, 5-star safety ratings in all categories, autopilot, standard and supercharging, standard.
Upon reading this list, one might think this is a great package, but is it really enough to capitalize and take a choke hold on the market? Perhaps, if the Model 3 looked like a work of art, but it doesn't; in fact, it looks quite bad.
They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but that's not the point. The Model 3 was Tesla's big opportunity to change the entire face of the car world; as you may know, in the world of cars, looks are very important. The Model 3 looks like it was compromised, compromised by the specs Tesla promised, production limitations and since this is technically a glorified economy car, aerodynamics.
There is no lust factor in this car, the only thing to lust over is the badge on the front of a nonexistent grill. The Tesla name is the only reason people will buy this car and not the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf or even a Prius; which is a shame.
The Model 3 will undoubtedly be a successful car, with 200,000 preorders already placed it will do Tesla a world of good. However, you get the feeling as though they missed out on a huge opportunity not only to make a profit but to change an industry. How often is a company presented with an opportunity to change their industry?
